Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Adolescent narcissism refers to an excessive sense of self-importance, grandiosity, and a preoccupation with oneself during the period of adolescence. It involves feelings of entitlement, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy towards others.
Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall evaluation or perception of their worth or value. It can influence the development and manifestation of narcissistic tendencies in adolescents.
Social comparison is the tendency to evaluate one's own abilities, appearance, or social status by comparing oneself to others. Adolescents with narcissistic traits may engage in frequent social comparisons on social media platforms.
Empathy refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Individuals high in adolescent narcissism often lack empathy towards others' experiences and emotions.